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701-1453-00L 3 Credits DR , MSC D-ARCH , D-BAUG , D-GESS , D-USYS

Ecological Assessment and Evaluation

Lecturers & Examiners: Florian Knaus

VVZ CR 2.2

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:41

Abstract

The course provides methods and tools for ecological evaluations dealing with nature conservation and landscape planning. It covers census methods, ecological criteria, indicators, indices and critically appraises objectivity and accuracy of the available methods, tools and procedures. Birds and plants are used as main examples guiding through different case studies.

Objective

Students will be able to: 1) critically consider biological data and species inventories; 2) autonomously evaluate the validity of ecological criteria used in decision making processes; 3) critically appraise the handling of ecological data, indicators and criteria in evaluations 4) individually plan and execute an ecological evaluation project based on existing data.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Powerpoint slides are available on the moodle page. Additional documents are handed out as copies.

Literature

Basic literature and references are listed in moodle.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Ecological Assessment and Evaluation	No time listed	3 h weekly

Offered In

Environmental Sciences Master
- Major in Ecology and Evolution
  - B. Concept Courses and Applications
    - Applications
- Major in Forest and Landscape Management (Students who started the specialization in Forest and Landscape Management before HS25 can complete the specialization according to the study guide 2024/25 or according to this structure. Students who start the specialization in Forest and Landscape Management in HS25 or later study according to the 2013 regulations, edition 29.04.2025 - 8. The new structure of this specialization (Forests/Landscapes/Soils/Data), is also shown in the current VVZ.)
  - Electives
    - Ecosystem Management
- Major in Environmental Systems Policy
  - Modeling and Statistical Analysis (Tthe course 701-1565-00 Quantitative Policy Analysis and Modeling is compulsory)
- Major in Forest and Landscape Management (from HS25 onwards) (Students who start the specialization in Forest and Landscape Management in HS25 or later study according to the 2013 regulations, edition 29.04.2025 - 8. The new structure of this specialization is shown in the current VVZ. Students who started the specialization in Forest and Landscape Management before HS25 can complete the specialization in accordance with the study guide 2024/25.)
  - Electives
    - Elective Landscapes
Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2021)
  - Major Courses
    - Major in Spatial and Landscape Development
Doctorate Environmental Systems Sciences (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Environmental Sciences
    - Ecology and Evolution
Science, Technology, and Policy Master
- Minor in Natural Sciences and Engineering
  - Urbanization and Planning
  - Resources and Environment
Landscape Architecture Master
- Advanced Courses (In the first semester of the curriculum there are no main courses offered.)